Positive Signs for Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca

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It has been quite a start for Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca in his new role at the West London club. The Italian had a big task in the summer reducing the number of players in his squad and his side have had some tough fixtures to contend with in the Premier League.

Now Maresca is through the honeymoon faze of his role, he is likely to be pleased with some of the things he has seen from his team. Here are some positives which will encourage him ahead of the campaign ahead.

Unbeaten In Four Fixtures Since Manchester City Defeat

Chelsea have responded to their opening defeat to Manchester City by going their next four fixtures unbeaten. They have picked up away victories over Wolves, Bournemouth and West Ham in that spell.

The defending champions remain the team to beat in the Premier League. They are the 4/7 favourites in the Newcastle v Man City betting for their trip to St James’ Park as they bid to keep up their unbeaten start to the season.

In the bet on football market for the Premier League title, Manchester City top the betting at 11/10 to defend their crown, with Chelsea available at 28/1. The defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side was not unexpected for the Blue. Maresca has not allowed it to derail his side’s season, producing three solid performances since then.

Nkunku Fit and Healthy Again

Striker Christopher Nkunku has been heavily involved in Chelsea’s early stages of the season, and having the Frenchman available must feel like a new signing for the club. Injuries held the 26-year-old back last season, meaning he could only make 11 Premier League appearances.

The former RB Leipzig striker, who cost the club in the region of £52 million, has scored three goals in his opening seven games in all competitions this season. He found the back of the net against Bournemouth in a 1-0 victory over the Cherries, while he also netted a brace in the UEFA Europa Conference League tie against Servette.

Nkunku has created healthy competition for places in Chelsea’s forward line. If he continues to improve in West London, he could be one of the standout players in the Premier League this season.

Europa Conference League a Great Opportunity for European Success

Although most Chelsea fans will be disappointed that the Blues are not in the Champions League or Europa League this season, the Europa Conference League represents a great opportunity for some silverware.

Chelsea booked their place in the league phase with a 3-2 victory over Swiss side Servette in the play-off round. They prevailed 2-0 in the opening leg at Stamford Bridge, while in the second leg, they completed the job, despite a 2-1 defeat.

The Blues are the standout team in the third-tier European competition. Some of their challengers for the trophy include Fiorentina, Real Betis, Copenhagen and Gent. Their next task is to finish in the top eight of the league standings to advance automatically through to the last 16.

Chelsea last won a European competition when they lifted then Champions League in 2021, beating Manchester City in the final. Although this trophy will not quite match that feat of three years ago, it would be a big boost for Maresca in his first season at the club.

The Blues boss will be hoping his team carry their form into the latter stage of September and early October before the majority of his players depart for the international break.